Laule said all the dolphins seemed to have been victims of dynamite fishing off the shores of Zambales. The latest rescued male dolphin was named “Kagitingan” because he was rescued on April 30 which is commemorated annually as Araw ng Kagitingan.
Laule said that ‘’through the timely efforts of PMMSN members and the Ocean Adventure Dolphin Rescue team, Kagitingan is alive and well today.” “He has been in rehabilitation just over a month and has completely recovered his buoyancy and can swim, dive, and do low breaches,” Laule added.
Laule also said that Kagitingan’s “vigor and appetite are now fully restored, and there are no signs of complications that might give rise to a concern. But there is still the possibility that he is suffering from some degree of hearing loss. “
She noted that if Kagitingan’s hearing loss is significant ‘’he would not be able to find fish, communicate with other dolphins, and survive in the wild.”
In the meantime, Laule said that Kagitingan has developed a close tie with April, a dolphin who was also rescued earlier and transported to the Dolphin Rescue Center. “They rest, eat, and swim together,” she said.
Dr. Leo Suarez, staff veterinarian at Ocean Adventure, said Kagitingan has “a great appetite and eats four times a day. He has just been recently taken off antibiotics but still receives three different supplements everyday.”
Suarez reiterated that Kagitingan might be suffering from “acoustic trauma,” which is highly likely caused by dynamite fishing.
Laule said that Dr. Aude Pacini, an expert on acoustic trauma, will be brought into the country to look into Kagitingan’s condition.
“We will spare no expense in guaranteeing that Kagitingan gets the best care possible. His rescue and treatment is symbolic of our commitment to the welfare of marine mammals, and to the success of PMMSN,” he said.
Laule noted that six dolphins have been brought to Ocean Adventure the last year due to injuries caused by dynamite fishing. Two died, including a Frasers Dolphin named Julius from Pangasinan.
The other three survived but suffered permanent hearing loss. Fondly referred to as the “Dynamite Girls,” they are living in the open water lagoons at the park.
